New Comedian Arrogance: Why It Happens & What To Do?

Hey guys! Ever noticed how some new comedians can sometimes come across as, well, a little songong? Yeah, arrogant! It's a thing, and today we're diving deep into why this happens and what can be done about it. We'll look at the psychology, the pressures of the industry, and how both the comedian and the audience can navigate this tricky situation. Let’s get started!

The Psychology Behind New Comedian Arrogance

So, what's the deal with new comedian arrogance? There are several psychological factors at play. First off, think about the sheer vulnerability involved in stand-up comedy. You're putting your thoughts, jokes, and personality out there for everyone to judge. That's a huge risk, and to cope with that risk, some comedians might develop a defense mechanism – arrogance. It's like they're saying, "I'm already great, so your criticism doesn't matter!"

Another factor is the Dunning-Kruger effect. This is a cognitive bias where people with low competence in a skill overestimate their ability. In other words, a new comedian might think they're way funnier than they actually are, leading to an inflated ego. They get a few laughs at open mics, and suddenly they're convinced they're the next big thing. This overconfidence can easily be perceived as arrogance.

Then there’s the need for validation. Stand-up comedy is a tough gig, and getting consistent laughs is hard. When a new comedian finally gets some positive feedback, it can be intoxicating. They might start to crave that validation, and in their desperation to get more, they might come across as cocky or entitled. It's like they're saying, "Look at me, I'm funny! Appreciate me!"

Moreover, the pressure to stand out can also contribute to arrogance. The comedy scene is competitive, and new comedians are constantly trying to get noticed. Some might resort to being overly assertive or even abrasive to make a name for themselves. They might think that being outrageous or controversial is the key to success, even if it means alienating some people along the way. This can easily be misinterpreted as arrogance.

Finally, let's not forget the influence of role models. Many new comedians look up to established stars, and sometimes they might try to emulate their behavior – even the less appealing aspects. If their idols are known for being arrogant or cocky, they might think that's just part of being a successful comedian. It's like they're trying to fake it till they make it, but they end up just looking like jerks.

The Pressures of the Comedy Industry

The comedy industry is a tough world, man. The pressure to be funny, original, and constantly hustling can get to anyone, especially new comedians. This pressure can manifest in ways that appear arrogant, even if that's not the intention.

One major pressure is the constant need to perform. Comedians are always "on," whether they're on stage or off. This can lead to a sense of entitlement, as if they deserve special treatment or attention simply because they're funny. They might start to believe their own hype, and that can come across as arrogance. It’s a high-stress environment where everyone is trying to one-up each other, and that competition can breed arrogance.

Another pressure is the constant rejection. For every gig they get, they probably face ten rejections. This can be incredibly demoralizing, and some comedians might develop a defensive attitude to protect themselves from the pain of rejection. They might act like they don't care about the rejections or that they're too good for those gigs anyway. This can easily be perceived as arrogance.

Then there's the pressure to be original. In a world where everything seems to have been done before, new comedians are constantly trying to come up with fresh and innovative material. This can lead to a sense of desperation, as if they need to do anything to stand out from the crowd. They might resort to shock humor, controversial topics, or even stealing jokes, all in the name of being original. This can easily backfire and make them look arrogant or insensitive.

Also, social media plays a big role. The need to build a following and maintain an online presence adds another layer of pressure. Comedians might feel the need to constantly promote themselves and their work, even if it means coming across as self-absorbed. They might post humblebrags, engage in online arguments, or even buy followers to boost their ego. This can easily alienate their audience and make them look arrogant.

Moreover, the lack of mentorship in the comedy scene can exacerbate these pressures. Many new comedians are left to figure things out on their own, without guidance or support from more experienced performers. This can lead to mistakes and missteps, including developing arrogant attitudes. A little guidance can go a long way in helping new comedians navigate the industry and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance.

How Comedians Can Check Themselves

Alright, so you're a new comedian and you're worried you might be coming across as a bit songong? Don't sweat it! Here are some ways to check yourself and course-correct:

• Self-Awareness is Key: The first step is simply being aware of your behavior. Ask yourself: Am I really as funny as I think I am? Am I treating others with respect? Am I being open to feedback? Honestly assessing yourself is crucial.
• Seek Honest Feedback: Ask trusted friends, fellow comedians, or even audience members for honest feedback. Be prepared to hear criticism, and don't get defensive. Remember, feedback is a gift that can help you improve. And listen to what they are saying, don't just hear it.
• Embrace Humility: Nobody likes a show-off. Instead of trying to impress everyone with your wit, focus on being humble and relatable. Acknowledge your mistakes, admit when you don't know something, and be willing to learn from others. Humility is attractive, and it will make you more likable both on and off stage.
• Focus on the Craft: Instead of worrying about fame and recognition, focus on honing your craft. Write new material, practice your delivery, and experiment with different styles. The more you focus on improving your skills, the less time you'll have to be arrogant. Plus, the better you get, the less you'll need to rely on arrogance to compensate for your insecurities.
• Remember Your Roots: Think about why you started doing comedy in the first place. Was it for the fame and fortune, or was it because you genuinely love making people laugh? Reminding yourself of your original passion can help you stay grounded and avoid getting caught up in the trappings of arrogance. Don't forget the open mic nights where you bombed, those experiences are just as important as your successes.
• Practice Gratitude: Take time to appreciate the opportunities you've been given. Be grateful for the audiences who come to see you, the venues that book you, and the fellow comedians who support you. Gratitude will help you stay humble and avoid taking things for granted. A little "thank you" goes a long way.

How Audiences Can Respond

As an audience member, what can you do when you encounter a songong new comedian? Here are some tips:

• Don't Feed the Ego: The worst thing you can do is give an arrogant comedian the attention they crave. Don't laugh at their jokes, don't applaud their antics, and don't engage with them on social media. Depriving them of validation might be enough to deflate their ego.
• Offer Constructive Criticism (If Appropriate): If you feel comfortable, you can offer constructive criticism after the show. Be polite and respectful, and focus on specific behaviors rather than personal attacks. For example, you could say, "I thought your jokes were funny, but your delivery came across as a bit arrogant." However, be prepared for the possibility that they might not be receptive to your feedback.
• Vote with Your Feet: If a comedian is consistently arrogant or offensive, simply stop going to their shows. Your absence will send a clear message that their behavior is not acceptable. Plus, there are plenty of other talented and humble comedians out there who deserve your support. Find comedians that you like and appreciate their work.
• Support Humility: Make sure to support comedians who are humble, genuine, and respectful. Attend their shows, buy their merchandise, and spread the word about their talent. By rewarding positive behavior, you can help create a more positive and supportive comedy scene.
• Remember It's Just Comedy: Ultimately, it's important to remember that comedy is subjective. What one person finds funny, another might find offensive. Try not to take things too seriously, and remember that comedians are just trying to make people laugh. If a comedian's arrogance bothers you, simply move on and find someone else who tickles your funny bone.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! New comedian arrogance is a complex issue with roots in psychology, industry pressures, and the need for validation. By understanding the underlying causes, both comedians and audiences can take steps to address it. For comedians, self-awareness, humility, and a focus on the craft are essential. For audiences, not feeding the ego, offering constructive criticism, and supporting humility can make a big difference. Let's work together to create a comedy scene that's funny, supportive, and free of unnecessary kesombongan! Keep laughing, guys!